Removable optoelectronic module with grounding means

ABSTRACT

A robust optoelectronic transceiver module which provides for static discharge and is quick, easy, and inexpensive to manufacture. The transceiver module has a main housing which consists of a potting box with potting material inserted therein. In addition, a circuit board is encased by the potting material. The circuit board has an optical subassembly mounted thereon. The optical subassembly extends outside of the potting box through a recess. Correspondingly, a recess cover is provided for forming a liquid tight seal between the recess cover, the potting box, and the optical subassembly. Furthermore, the module provides electrically conductive latches which are conductively connected, via tabs for forming an electrical connection, to a grounded structure, such as a computer chassis.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/417,914,filed Apr. 6, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,717,533, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/372,780, filed Jan. 13, 1995,now U.S. Pat. No. 5,546,281.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to optoelectronic transceiver modulesand in particular, it relates to an optoelectronic transceiver module,and its method of manufacture, whereby the module is inexpensive tomanufacture, has a small yet robust package, provides for staticdischarge, and can be installed and replaced via a ribbon styleconnector.

Optoelectronic transceiver modules provide for the bi-directionaltransmission of data between an electrical interface and an optical datalink. The module receives electrically encoded data signals which areconverted into optical signals and transmitted over the optical datalink. Likewise, the module receives optically encoded data signals whichare converted into electrical signals and transmitted onto theelectrical interface.

Normally, the transceiver is mounted onto one of the circuit cardassemblies of a host computer, input/output system, peripheral device,or switch. Therefore, as with all electronic equipment, there is a needfor a transceiver having an outer package design which occupies aslittle circuit card surface area as possible.

In addition, there is a need for a transceiver module which is highlyreliable and durable. One method presently used to ensure reliabilityand durability is to encapsulate the electronics of the transceiverwithin an insulative potting material. Encapsulating the transceiverelectronics results in reducing vibration sensitivity and preventsunauthorized personnel from meddling with the module's electronics.

Presently, the molding of the potting material around the transceiverelectronics is performed by placing the electronics within a siliconemold. Any portion of the electronics which extends outside of the moldis caulked, by hand, with a silicone compound which provides for aliquid tight seal. Once the mold is sealed, potting material is insertedtherein. After the potting material is allowed to cure, the siliconemold is peeled away from the newly formed module.

The above described prior art molding process has several drawbacks. Forexample, it is time consuming and results in a transceiver module whichhas a pitted outer surface. In addition, the silicone mold used in themolding process has a limited life of only three to five modules beforea new mold must be employed.

The optoelectronic module is provided with a plurality of electricalpins for forming an electrical connection with a circuit card assembly.The electrical pins consist of solid wire strands with each pin havingone end connected to the electronics within the module and the other endprotruding from the module's potting material.

The portion of each pin which protrudes from the potting material iseither soldered within a plated through-hole, which is provided by thecircuit card assembly, or placed within a connector which grasps ontothe pin. However, the flimsy wire pins are very susceptible todeformation during both the normal handling of the module and itsremoval and installation onto a circuit card assembly. Thus, the flimsypins currently used in the prior art are difficult and time consuming toattach to a circuit card assembly since they must be periodicallyinspected and realigned. Furthermore, the pins may break if they arerealigned too many times.

In addition to the electrical pins, the module also is equipped with twomounting ports for physically securing the module onto the circuit cardassembly. The module is placed onto the circuit card assembly so thatthe mounting ports align with holes provided in the circuit cardassembly. Once the module is properly aligned, screws are insertedthrough the holes in the circuit card assembly and into the mountingports of the module. The screws are then tightened until the module isfirmly affixed to the circuit card assembly.

Similarly, to remove the module from the circuit card assembly, thescrews must be removed and the wires either unsoldered from the circuitcard or pulled from the connector which is a timely and expensiveprocess requiring multiple components.

Finally, once the module is secured to the circuit card assembly,optical fibers contained within an SC duplex plug connector are mated tothe module. Normally, the SC duplex connector has a plastic housingwhich may be statically charged. Thus, its connection onto thetransceiver module may result in damage to the electronic componentswithin the module unless proper grounding of the SC connector isprovided.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that thepossibility of damage due to static discharge is not only applicable totransceiver modules which mate with an SC duplex connector. Otheroptoelectronic modules, such as, for example, Gigabaud Link Modules(GLM), are also susceptible to static discharge damage whenever they aremated to a connector containing optical fibers.

Therefore, there is a need for a transceiver module which provides for asmall, yet robust package, which is inexpensive to manufacture, providesfor static discharge, and can easily and quickly be installed andremoved from a circuit card assembly. The present invention is such anapparatus.

Likewise, there is a need for preventing a statically charged fiberoptic connector from damaging the electronics within an optoelectronicmodule.

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention toprovide a small transceiver module package.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a modulepackage that has a robust and tamper resistent design.

Also, it is an object of the present invention to provide a module whichcan quickly be installed and replaced from a circuit card assembly.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a module packagedesign that can quickly and easily be produced.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a module packagethat can be produced inexpensively.

It is yet another object of the present invention to prevent astatically charged connector from damaging the electrical circuitrywithin an optoelectronic module by pre-grounding the plug connector.

Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide amodule with a coating which dissipates an electrostatic discharge andserves as an electromagnetic shield.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one form of the invention, a robust optoelectronic transceiver moduleis provided which is quick, easy, and inexpensive to manufacture. Thetransceiver module has a main housing which consists of a potting boxwith potting material inserted therein. In addition, a circuit board isencased by the potting material.

The invention further provides for an optical subassembly to be mountedon a circuit board. In addition, the potting box has a recess whichallows the optical subassembly to extend outside of the potting box.Furthermore, a recess cover may be provided for forming a liquid tightseal between the recess cover, the potting box, and the opticalsubassembly.

The optoelectronic transceiver module may also have a ribbon styleconnector attached to the circuit board and protruding from the mainhousing. The ribbon style connector may protrude from either the bottomor one end of the main housing. In addition, the ribbon style connectormay comprise of either a male ribbon style connector or a resilient maleribbon style connector.

In another form of the invention, an optoelectronic transceiver moduleis provided which mounts onto a circuit card assembly. The module has amain housing with a bottom. Protruding from the bottom of the mainhousing is a ribbon style connector which allows for quickly installingand replacing the module from the circuit card assembly.

In yet another form of the invention, a method of assembling anoptoelectronic transceiver module is provided. The steps of the methodconsists of placing a circuit board within a potting box and injectingpotting material within the potting box. In addition, the circuit boardmay be affixed within the potting box after the circuit board ispositioned within the potting box. Furthermore, a liquid tight recesscover may be mounted within the potting box's recess after the circuitboard is positioned within the potting box.

Also, the method of manufacture provides for coating the potting boxwith a conductive metal before the circuit board is placed within thepotting box or after the potting material is injected within the pottingbox. Moreover, a connector shell may be mounted onto the potting boxafter the potting material is injected within the potting box.

In still another form of the invention, a method of assembling anoptoelectronic transceiver is provided which includes the steps ofaffixing a circuit board within a housing and securing a conductivemetal coating onto the housing.

In another form of the invention, a potting box is provided for pottingoptoelectronic components which include an optical subassembly. Thepotting box includes a wall having a recess which allows the opticalsubassembly to extend outside of the potting box. In addition, a recesscover is provided for forming a liquid tight seal between the recesscover, the potting box, and the optical subassembly. Furthermore, theinvention provides for the potting box to have a standoff column formounting a circuit board within the potting box and an alignment guidefor engaging a groove within the recess cover.

In yet another form of the invention, an optoelectronic module isprovided for mounting within a grounded structure, such as a computerchassis. The optoelectronic module consists of electrically conductivelatches which are conductively connected to a structure which providesfor the forming of an electrical connection with the grounded structure.The optoelectronic transceiver module may further include a transceiverconnector attached thereto and which is conductively connected to thelatches. Furthermore, a grounding clip may be attached to thetransceiver connector. The grounding clip may have at least one tabextending therefrom. Accordingly, the optoelectronic module may use atleast one tab for conductively connecting the latches to the groundedstructure.

Various means for practicing the invention and other advantages andnovel features thereof will be apparent from the following detaileddescription of an illustrative preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

There is shown in the drawings a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein like numerals in the various figures pertain to likeelements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of an optoelectronic transceivermodule in accordance with the present invention and having a partialfragmentary view depicting the module's circuit board and pottingmaterial;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the optoelectronic transceiver module depictedin FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the optoelectronic transceivermodule depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the potting box used in themanufacture of the optoelectronic module depicted in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the recess cover used with the pottingbox of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is another enlarged perspective view of the potting box of FIG.4;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cut-away side view of the female ribbon styleconnector taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view, along with a partial fragmentaryview, of a resilient male ribbon style connector for use with theoptoelectronic transceiver module of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 9 is a cut-away side view of the resilient male ribbon styleconnector taken along line 9--9 of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is a front view of a grounded computer chassis with theoptoelectronic transceiver module of FIG. 2 extending through aconnector port within the computer chassis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, an enlargedperspective view of an optoelectronic transceiver module 10 inaccordance with the present invention is depicted. The module 10 has amain housing 12 which generally has the shape of an oblong box. The mainhousing 12 has a generally rectangular top 14 with a first end 16 and anopposite second end 18 extending perpendicularly from the top. Attachedto the first end 16 of the main housing 12 is a transceiver connector 20for receiving fiber optic plugs.

Turning to FIG. 2, a front view of the optoelectronic transceiver module10 is depicted. The transceiver connector 20 is attached to the firstend 16 of the main housing 12 by two screws 22,24. The two screws 22,24extend through the transceiver connector's mounting ears 26,28 and intothe main housing 12. Extending perpendicularly from the mounting ears26,28 is a generally rectangularly shaped connector shell 30. Theconnector shell 30 provides two receptacles 32,34 for receiving fiberoptic connector plugs. The receptacles 32,34 are formed by the connectorshell 30 along with a divider wall 36 which extends along the center ofthe connector shell. Furthermore, located in the bottom 38 of eachreceptacle 32,34 is a keying channel 40,42 which extends toward thefirst end 16 of the main housing.

In the preferred embodiment, the receptacles 32,34 of the connectorshell 30 are specifically dimensioned to receive an SC duplex plug.Therefore, the keying channels 40,42 ensure that an SC plug will beinserted so that receptacle 32 will only accept a plug for sending dataand receptacle 34 will only accept a plug for receiving data.

Extending from the main housing 12 and into each of the receptacles32,34 is an optical subassembly 44,46. As previously indicated, theoptical subassembly 44 is for sending transmissions over a data link andthe optical subassembly 46 is for receiving transmissions over a datalink. In order to facilitate the connection between the transceiver 10and the data links, each optical subassembly has a ferrule receivingportion 48,50. The ferrule receiving portion 48,50 couples with the SCplug. Furthermore, the transceiver's latch members 52,54,56, and 58firmly hold the SC plug in contact with connector 20.

The actual sending and receiving of optically encoded data is performedby a laser diode within the optical subassembly 44 and a photo diodewithin the optical subassembly 46. Both the laser diode and the photodiode are electrically connected to a circuit board which is mountedwithin the main housing 12.

Turning back to FIG. 1, a portion of the circuit board 60 is depicted.Incorporated onto the circuit board 60 is circuitry for transmitting andreceiving optically encoded data (circuitry not shown). The circuitboard 60 is encased in potting material 62 and a potting box 64 whichforms the main housing 12. The potting material 62 encases the circuitboard 60 such that only the circuit board's male ribbon style connector66 extends from the potting material 62.

Turning to FIG. 3, a perspective view of the bottom 68 of thetransceiver module 10 is depicted. In the preferred embodiment, thebottom 68 has two mounting ports 70,70 which are adjacent to the firstend 16 of the main housing 12. In addition, the male ribbon styleconnector 66 protrudes perpendicularly from the bottom 68 and isadjacent to the second end 18 of the main housing 12.

In an alternative embodiment, the ribbon style connector 66 may protrudeperpendicularly from the second end 18 of the module 10 so that it canbe connected to a circuit card assembly in a direction which is parallelto the direction of insertion of the optic plugs into the module'sreceptacles. However, in this alternative embodiment, another recesscover will be needed in order to prevent potting material from escapingthe second end of the potting box.

Referring to FIG. 4, an enlarged perspective view of the optoelectronicmodule's potting box 64 is depicted. The potting box 64 forms the outerhousing of the optoelectronic module. Thus, the potting box generallyhas the shape of an oblong box with a rectangular bottom 72, twoparallel side walls 74,74, a first end wall 76, and an opposite secondend wall 78. In a preferred embodiment, the potting box 64 is injectionmolded of a polymer material such as VALOX, STANYL, or any otherglass-filled heat resistent material which can withstand solder reflowtemperatures. The use of such a potting box eliminates the need for asilicone mold required by prior art modules.

In addition, it is preferred that the potting box 64, including thelatch members 52,54,56, and 58, be either plated, wet plated, or vacuummetalized with an aluminum or stainless steel coating in order todissipate an electrostatic discharge and provide for electromagneticshielding. As well, the transceiver connector 20 (FIG. 1) may be eitherplated, wet plated, or vacuum metalized, in order to reduce emissionsand enhance grounding of the module. Such metalization of the connector20 can bring the module in compliance with FCC Rules, Part 15. In apreferred embodiment, the connector 20 is metalized separately from thepotting box 64 so that each attachment portion is metalized and providesfor conductivity between the parts. As the connector 20 will be attachedto a chassis containing fiber optic connectors which are at groundpotential, the connector will ground the metalized potting box 64 whichis attached to a daughter board. Such grounding enhances the module'sability to dissipate electrostatic discharge and provide forelectromagnetic shielding.

As also shown in FIGS. 1-3, the transceiver connector 20 includes agrounding clip 25 attached at the slot 23 in the connector 20. Thegrounding clip 25 serves as a means for forming an electrical connectionwith an externally grounded structure such as a computer chassis.Correspondingly, the grounding clip 25 is made of a metallic material,such as stainless steel, and includes two tabs 27,29 which protrude fromeach side of the connector 20. The tabs 27,29 are generally rectangularin shape with only one side of each tab being united to the groundingclip 25. Correspondingly, each tab 27,29 has a respective distal end27',29' which extends away from the connector 20. In a preferredembodiment, the connector 20 is first metalized and then the ground clip25 is attached so that an electrical conductive path is maintainedbetween the grounding clip 25 and the connector 20.

As previously indicated, all of the transceiver's latch members 52, 54,56, and 58 extend from the first wall 76 of the potting box 64. Also,the first end wall 76 of the potting box furnishes the mounting ports70,70 which are located on the bottom of the main housing. In apreferred embodiment, the latch members 52, 54, 56 and 58 are integrallymolded with the potting box 64.

Circuit board standoff columns 80 are also provided by the potting box64 (only one standoff column is depicted in FIG. 4). Each standoffcolumn protrudes from the bottom 72 of the potting box 64 and ispositioned next to the first end wall 76 and one of the side walls 74,74for supporting the circuit board 60. The standoff columns 80 have alength equal to approximately half the depth of the potting box 64 withthe distal end of the column having a circuit board mounting port 82.

As depicted in FIG. 4, the first wall 76 of the potting box 64 has arecess 84 for allowing the placement of the circuit board's opticalsubassemblies. The recess 84 has two semicircular through-ports 86,86.Within each through-port 86,86 are two guide beams 88,90 which arepositioned on each end of the through-port's semicircle for positioningthe optical subassemblies 44,46.

Also located on the first wall 74 are two recess cover alignment guidebeams 92,94. The alignment guide beams 92,94 boarder each side of therecess 84 and extend along the entire depth of the recess. The bottom ofthe recess 84 has three flat mating surfaces 95 (only two of the matingsurfaces are depicted in FIG. 4).

Correspondingly, referring to FIG. 5, a recess cover 96 is depicted forplacement within the recess located in the first wall of the pottingbox. Preferably, the recess cover 96 is made of the same material as thepotting box and is either plated, wet plated, or vacuum metalized withan aluminum or stainless steel coating.

In FIG. 5, the recess cover 96 has two semicircular through-ports98,100. Within each of the through-ports 98,100 are two guide beams102,104 positioned on each end of the through-port's semicircle. Also,the top of the recess cover includes three flat mating surfaces 105.

The recess cover 96 firmly mounts within the recess of the potting box'sfirst wall so that the mating surfaces 95 and 105 of both the recess 84and the recess cover 96 will abut each other. The recess cover 96includes three indentions 106 which allow the cover to be positionedaround the location where the latch members 52, 54, 56, and 58 attach tothe potting box. In addition, on each end of the recess cover 96 thereare alignment grooves 108,110 which provide for sliding engagement withthe alignment guide beams 92,94 bordering the recess within the pottingbox's first wall.

Referring back to FIG. 4, during the manufacture of the transceivermodule the circuit board is placed in the potting box 64 with the maleribbon connector protruding outside of the potting box and the circuitboard's optical subassemblies protruding out of the recess 84 in thefirst wall 76. The optical subassemblies 44,46 are properly positionedwithin the potting box 64 by the alignment guides 88,90 located withineach through-port 86,86.

Once positioned within the potting box 64, the circuit board 60 isaffixed by two screws which are mounted to the standoff columns 80 viathe circuit board mounting ports 82.

Once the circuit board 60 is secured within the potting box 64, therecess cover 96 is mounted onto the first end wall 76. The recess cover96 is mounted by engaging its alignment grooves 108,110 with the pottingbox's recess cover alignment guide beams 92,94. When the recess cover 96is slid into position, the cover's through-ports 98,100 and associatedalignment guide beams 102,104 will adjoin the circuit board's opticalsubassemblies 44,46. Furthermore, due to the tight tolerances of boththe potting box 64 and the recess cover 96, a liquid tight seal will beformed between the potting box 64, the recess cover 96, and the opticalsubassemblies 44,46. Thus, with the recess cover 96 in place, pottingmaterial is injected within the potting box 64 for encasing the circuitboard 60. The time to mold the module by the above method is reduced byapproximately 90% over the prior art molding process because no handcaulking is needed to form the liquid tight seal.

Finally, referring to FIG. 6, the connector shell 20 (See FIG. 1 & 2) ismounted onto the first end wall 76 of the potting box 64 after thepotting material has cured. Alignment of the connector shell 20 isprovided by two mounting posts 112,112. Each mounting post 112 has abore 114 which facilitates the attachment of the connector shell 20, bythe use of the previously mentioned screws, onto the potting box 64.

In an alternative embodiment, the ribbon style connector 66 may protrudeperpendicularly from the second end 18 of the module 10 so that it canbe connected to a circuit card assembly in a direction which is parallelto the direction of insertion of the optic plugs into the module'sreceptacles. However, in this alternative embodiment, another recesscover will be needed in order to prevent potting material from escapingthe second end of the potting box.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the male ribbon style connector 66 protrudingfrom the module 10 has a beam portion 116, made of insulative material,which extends perpendicularly across the length of the circuit board 60.The male ribbon style connector 66 also has a first side 118, anopposite second side 120, and a distal end 122. Extendingperpendicularly from the circuit board 60 on both the first side 118 andthe second side 120 of the male ribbon style connector 66 aretwenty-eight electrical contacts 124. Each electrical contact 124consists of a strip of conductive material which is affixed to the maleribbon style connector 66 and is electrically connected to the circuitrymounted on the circuit board 60.

Correspondingly, the male ribbon style connector 66 couples to a femaleribbon style connector 126 which is mounted onto the circuit cardassembly 128. Referring to FIG. 7, an enlarged cut-away side view isshown of the female ribbon style connector 126 taken along line 7--7 ofFIG. 1. The female ribbon style connector 126 has two parallel rows oftwenty-eight (28) contact beams 130,130 contained within a contactchamber 132 (only one contact from each row is depicted). Each contactbeam 130 is constructed of a flat strip of conductive metallic material.Furthermore, each contact beam 130 has a first end 134, a second distalend 136, and a bend 138 which is located adjacent to the second end andextends toward the contact beam located in the opposite row.

The female ribbon style connector 126 is mounted onto the circuit card128 such that the first end 134 of each contact beam 130 extends throughthe circuit card assembly. Likewise, the second end 136 of each contactbeam 130 extends within a travel limitation slot 140 formed in the top142 of the female ribbon style connector 126. Each slot 140 provides abackstop 144, consisting of one of the connector's walls 146, and afrontstop 148. Correspondingly, contact beams 130,130 are positioned inthe chamber 132 such that the second end 136 of each contact beam 130resiliently urges against the frontstop 148.

In order to provide access to the contact beams 130,130 within thefemale ribbon style connector 126, the top 142 of the connector has aslot 150 positioned between the two rows of contact beams.Correspondingly, in order to make an electrical connection between thefemale ribbon style connector 126 and the male ribbon style connector166 depicted in FIG. 1, the distal end 122 of the male ribbon styleconnector is inserted within the female connector's slot 150. As themale ribbon style connector 66 is pushed further within the femaleconnector's chamber 132 the two rows of contact beams 130,130 will beforced to sperate further from each other. In addition, each contactbeam 130 will resiliently urge against a corresponding electricalcontact 124 mounted on the male ribbon style connector 66. Thus, anelectrical connection will be formed between the male ribbon styleconnector's electrical contacts 124,124 and the female connector'scontact beams 130,130.

Similarly, to disconnect the male ribbon style connector's electricalcontacts 124,124 from the female connector's contact beams 130,130 themale connector 66 is simply pulled from the chamber 132 of the femaleconnector. Once the male ribbon style connector 66 has been removed fromthe chamber 132, the contact beams 130 of the female connector 126 willresiliently regain the configuration of FIG. 7, whereby the second end136 of each contact beam will abut its corresponding frontstop 148.

Turning to FIG. 8, an enlarged perspective view, along with a partialfragmentary view, is depicted of a resilient male ribbon style connector166. The connector 166 includes a beam type housing 216 having a firstside 218, an opposite second side 220, and a distal end 222. Theresilient male ribbon style connector 166 in FIG. 8 serves as anotherembodiment of the male ribbon style connector depicted in FIGS. 1-3wherein the male connector in FIG. 8 is resilient and the male connectorin FIGS. 1-3 is non-resilient. It should be noted, however, that othermeans for quickly installing and replacing the module from a circuitcard assembly may be used.

Referring to FIG. 9, an enlarged cut-away side view of the resilientmale ribbon style connector 166 is shown taken along line 9--9 of FIG.8. The male ribbon style connector 166 has two parallel rows oftwenty-eight (28) contact beams 230,230 (only one contact from each rowis depicted). Each contact beam 230 is constructed of a flat strip ofconductive metallic material. Furthermore, each contact beam 230 has afirst end 234, a second distal end 236, and a bend 238 which is locatedadjacent to the second end and extends away from the contact beamlocated in the opposite row.

The male ribbon style connector 166 is mounted onto the module's circuitboard 260 such that the first end 234 of each contact beam 230 extendsthrough the circuit board. In a preferred embodiment, the first end 234of the contact 230 is inserted within a through-hole of the circuitboard 260 which contains traces for providing an electrical connectionfrom the contact 260 to components mounted on the board. Likewise, thesecond end 236 of each contact beam 230 extends within a travellimitation slot 240 formed in the top 242 of the resilient male ribbonstyle connector 166. Each slot 240 provides a backstop 244, consistingof the connector's support wall 246, and a frontstop 248. Corresponding,contact beams 230,230 are positioned such that the second end 236 ofeach contact beam 230 resiliently urges against the frontstop 248.

Access for making an electrical connection with the contact beams230,230 is provided since they protrude from the male ribbon styleconnector 166 in the area around the bends 238,238. Correspondingly, inorder to make an electrical connection between a female ribbon styleconnector and the resilient male ribbon style connector 166, the distalend 222 of the male ribbon style connector is inserted within a slotprovided by the female connector. As the male ribbon style connector 166is pushed within the female connector, the two rows of contact beams230,230 will be forced to compress towards each other. In addition, eachcontact beam 230 will resiliently urge against a correspondingelectrical contact mounted within the female ribbon style connector.Thus, an electrical connection will be formed between the male ribbonstyle connector's electrical contact beams 230,230 and the femaleconnector's contact beams.

Similarly, to disconnect the resilient male ribbon style connector 166from the female connector, the male connector is simply pulled from thefemale connector. Once the male ribbon style connector 166 has beenremoved, the contact beams 230,230 will resiliently regain theconfiguration of FIG. 9, whereby the second end 236 of each contact beamwill abut its corresponding frontstop 248.

Moving to FIG. 10, a front view of the outside of a grounded computerchassis 310 is depicted with the connector 20 of the optoelectronictransceiver module 10 extending through a connector port 312 within thecomputer chassis. As commonly known in the art, the computer chassis 310is typically made of a conductive metallic material and is tied to aground potential (i.e., grounded) by conventional means. Furthermore,the chassis provides a connector port 312 for each optoelectronictransceiver module mounted within the computer chassis (only oneconnector port and one transceiver module is depicted in FIG. 10). Asshown in FIG. 10, the connector port 312 consists of an opening which isdimensioned so that the transceiver module connector 20 can extendthrough the connector port. Therefore, the transceiver module 10 can bemounted within the chassis 310 of a computer with the transceiver moduleconnector 20 extending from, and being readily accessible from, theoutside of the computer chassis.

Correspondingly, when the transceiver module connector 20 is positionedwithin the connector port 312, the tabs 27,29 will press against thesides 314,316 of the connector port. Consequently, the tabs 27,29 willform an electrical connection with the computer chassis which willresult in the transceiver module connector 20 becoming grounded. Inaddition, the entire metalized potting box, including the metalizedlatch members 52,54,56, and 58, will become grounded since, as indicatedpreviously, the transceiver module connector 20 is conductively attachedto the potting box.

Correspondingly, a means of pre-grounding an SC connector is provided bythe grounded latch members 52,54,56, and 58. For example, as an SCconnector is attached to the transceiver module 10, the housing of theSC connector will first abut against one of the ground latch members52,54,56, and/or 58. Accordingly, any static charge on the SC connectorwill be removed by the grounded latched members via the conductiveelectrical path from the potting box, to the transceiver connector, itscorresponding grounding clip, and then to the grounded computer chassisvia the tabs 27,29. Therefore, the SC connector is pre-grounded beforeit is connected to the electronics within the transceiver module.

Although, the preferred embodiment of pre-grounding an optical connectordescribes a transceiver module which consists of a metalized potting boxwith metalized latches, it should be understood that the above inventionextends to any type of optoelectronic module, such an a GLM module,which has latches for mating with a fiber optic connecter including, butnot limited to, an SC connector. Correspondingly, the latches of atransceiver module, such as a GLM module, must be metalized in order toprovide an electrically conductive path to the grounded computerchassis.

Furthermore, although a grounding clip having tabs was used in thepreferred embodiment of the present invention to form an electricalconnection with the grounded computer chassis, it should be understoodby those skilled in the art that other alternative structures can besubstituted for the grounding clip, such as, for example, a conductivecable which can be connected to both the computer chassis and themetalized potting box or its connector. Further, although a preferredembodiment of the inventions is an optoelectronic transceiver, anytransceiver may use the features of the present invention, such as atransceiver transfers data over a copper wire/medium.

In addition, it should be understood that in describing the top andbottom portions of the transceiver module and its respective potting boxcomponents, the terms "top" and "bottom" are used by way of example onlydue to the orientation of the drawings. It should also be understoodthat various changes and modifications to the presently preferredembodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in theart. Furthermore, although the transceiver module depicted in thepresently preferred embodiment has its male ribbon style connectorextending from the bottom, it should be understood from the outset thatthe connector can be configured to extend, for example, from the secondend of the transceiver. Therefore, changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention andwithout diminishing its attendant advantages. Thus, it is intended thatsuch changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. An optoelectronic module mounted within a grounded structure, said optoelectronic module comprising:a) means for forming an electrical connection with said grounded structure; b) the module having a housing and an optoelectronic subassembly; and c) said electrical connection forming means including a grounding clip having a tab extending therefrom, the grounding clip abutting against a connector port of the grounded structure and establishing a direct mechanical and electrical contact between the module and the connector port of said grounded structure.
 2. The opotelectronic module of claim 1, further comprising a connector connected to said housing.
 3. The optoelectornic module of claim 2, wherein said connector is an SC duplex connector receptacle.
 4. The optoelectronic module of claim 2, further comprising a grounding clip attached to said connector.
 5. The optoelectronic module of claim 1, wherein said electrical connection forming means further consists of the grounding clip providing a friction fit with an opening of the faceplate of the grounded structure.
 6. The optoelectronic module of claim 5, wherein said electrical connection forming means further consists of a connector having said grounding clip attached thereto and being conductively connected to said module.
 7. An optoelectronic module mounted within an enclosed grounded structure, the ground structure having an external wall, said optoelectronic module comprising:a) a metallic housing having an optoelectronic subassembly mounted therein; and b) a grounding clip forming an electrical connection between said metallic housing and said grounded structure, the grounding clip abutting against a connector port of the metallic housing and directly mechanically and electrically contacting the connector port of said metallic housing.
 8. The optoelectronic transceiver module of claim 7, further comprising a metallic transceiver connector attached to said module.
 9. The optoelectronic transceiver module of claim 8 comprising a grounding clip attached to said transceiver connector.
 10. The optoelectronic module of claim 9, further comprising at least one tab extending from said grounding clip.
 11. The optoelectronic transceiver module of claim 7, wherein said electrical connection forming means consists of at least one tab conductively connected to said module.
 12. The optolectronic tranceiver module of claim 11, wherein said electrical connection forming means further consists of a grounding clip having said tab extending therefrom and being conductively connected to said metallic housing.
 13. The optoelectronic transceiver module of claim 12, wherein said electrical connection forming means further consists of a transceiver connector having said grounding clip attached thereto and being conductively connected to said module.
 14. An optoelectronic module mounted within a grounded chassis, said module comprising:a) a connector at a first end of the module having a grounding clip attached thereto and a tab extending from the grounding clip abutting against a connector port of the grounded chassis and providing electrical and mechanical contact directly with the connector port of said grounded chassis so that a portion of the module is at chassis ground; b) an optical transmitter/receiver mounted within the module adjacent a ferrule receiving bore at the first end; and c) the grounding chip conductively connected to the ferrule receiving bore.
 15. The module of claim 14, further comprising a connector and a ferrule receiving bore mounted within the connector and the grounding clip conductively connected to the ferrule receiving bore.
 16. The transceiver module of claim 15, further comprising the grounding clip attached to said connector.
 17. The transceiver module of claim 16, further comprising at least one tab extending from said grounding clip.
 18. A system for providing static discharge, said system comprising:a metallic chassis at ground potential having a connector port; and an optical module mounted to said chassis having a grounding member attached to a housing of the module, said grounding member including a grounded clip abutting and directly contacting the connector port of said chassis and wherein upon mating of the module to said chassis an electrical path from said housing to said chassis provides for a means of dissipating static discharge to said chassis.
 19. A system for providing electromagnetic shielding, said system comprising:an electronic enclosure including a metallic chassis at ground potential having a connector port; and an optical module having a housing and a grounding member attached to said housing and directly connected to a connector port of the metallic chassis to which said module is attached, wherein upon mating of the module to the chassis a grounding clip of said grounding member abuts the connector port and directly electrically and mechanically connects the connector port so that an electrical path from said module to said chassis establishes a metallic portion of the module at the same ground potential as the chassis.
 20. An optoelectronic module mounted within a grounded chassis, the optoelectronic module comprising:a housing having a first end and a second end; a conductive grounding member including a grounding clip abutting a connector port of the grounded chassis and making direct mechanical and electrical contact to the connector part grounding a potion of the module directly to the chassis when the module is mounted therein; a circuit board mounted within the housing and an optical subassembly electrically connected to the circuit board at the first end; and electrical contacts adjacent the second end, connected to the circuit board.
 21. The module of claim 20 wherein the module housing is metallized plastic.
 22. The module of claim 20 wherein a male ribbon style electrical connector, is mounted at the second end.
 23. The module of claim 20 wherein the grounding member includes a metallic mounting member protruding from a bottom of the module for mounting to a printed circuit board. 